On Feb. 1, 1907, a fire triggered by a gas explosion destroyed the five-story Grand Opera House at North Third and Walnut streets in Harrisburg.

Called the "Temple of Amusement" by The Patriot when it opened on Oct. 13, 1873, the Grand Opera House was built by the Masonic Hall Association at a cost of $130,000. The building boasted a second-floor auditorium with a massive gaslight chandelier and seating for 1,324 people.

According to former Patriot-News staff writer and historian Mary O. Bradley, "Hardly any full-scale operas were ever performed there, but the theater did attract notable actors of the day, such as Edwin Booth. Through the 1890s, Republican and Democratic delegates gathered at the Opera House to choose their nominees for governor and U.S. Senate."

A gas explosion in the basement of the Opera House started the fire that spread to 10 buildings. Damage was estimated at $500,000.